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WeRetired · 01-06-2023, 09:14 AM

Need to be at a wedding end of April in Des Moines. Have done several long trips, but went to one place stayed and then came back to Az.
This time we have no set schedule other than April 29. So, looking for suggestions on attractions to checkout to and fro. Don’t really care about route, could go thru Colorado or thru Tx, or ??
This would first trip without a real travel plan and not much experience on tracking down things to see and visit, restaurants, towns, sights, etc.
Thanks for suggestions and experiences.

Mark_K5LXP · 01-06-2023, 10:56 AM

Meteor Crater, AZ
The "deepest well" in Greensburg KS - humbling recovery after their tornado.
Liberal KS air museum
RV Museum Amarillo TX
Amana colonies IA
Motorcycle Museum Anamosa IA

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

tpaul · 01-06-2023, 01:11 PM

Don't know what kind of things you like to do or see. I assume you've already checked out all the stuff in Arizona, particularly around Flagstaff. For exploring nature and hiking I might suggest taking I40 to Amarillo and check out Palo Duro Canyon. Then take I 35 from Oklahoma City all the way to DM. Or maybe take I25 from I40 north to Colorado Springs. There is a nice Museum of Mining and Industry. And a nice campground not too far away just off of I25. Then there are several routes you could take to get to Minden NE where there is the Pioneer Village. Then I80 to DM. Also SAC Museum between Lincoln and Omaha. If you are into zoos, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha is world class.

twogypsies · 01-06-2023, 05:05 PM

Plan a route or two you'd like to drive and then Google medium size towns along the route for "things to see near Timbuktu".

Plan to leave for your important date mostly a straight shot and do most of your siteseeing on your return in case you want to stay somewhere longer or if you have vehicle issues or bad weather. Start your siteseeing after April 29. This is more important if you're planning to drive any mountain areas, such as in Colorado. April is much too early to do that.

DKRITTER · 01-07-2023, 07:53 AM

You might think of it a 2 different trips, one going and one coming.

On the going part I'd keep it simple, jump up to I-40 and spend a couple of days in ABQ then Amarillo it will be good for a couple of days, then OKC it's at least 2 days, you need to see the bombing memorial and lastly Kansas City for a day or two. Get to Des Moines a day or two ahead of the wedding. Keep it simple. If it was us this might be as much as a 2 week trip.

On the way home go anyway you want, go see what you want, take as much time as you have or need.

WeRetired · 01-09-2023, 08:01 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, we shall give all some thought.

Alfalfa1 · 01-28-2023, 09:46 AM

Winterset Iowa, filming location of The bridges of Madison county and boyhood home of John Wayne. Tour his home and a large, wonderful museum for the "Duke". The town has a great full hookup rv park owned by the city.

UTTransplant · 01-28-2023, 10:46 AM

I would recommend taking I-40 to I-35. Along I-40 there are numerous historic sites in New Mexico and Texas (I assume you have already checked out areas in AZ). Lots of great places around Albuquerque. Take the tram to the top of Sandia Mountain (bring a heavy coat for the 10,000+’ stop). Visit historic Old Town, and take a side trip to Santa Fe. Stop a few days in Amarillo. They have a fabulous museum there. Take a day trip to Palo Duro Canyon. In Oklahoma City, visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Center. Visit the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial if you can stand it (I can’t; I knew people there). OKC’s Bricktown area is great fun with lots of restaurants and shopping. If you love art, there are two world class museums in Tulsa, but check whether the Gilcrist is open after their remodeling. There is also Woolaroc Wildlife Sanctuary and museums for a fun western detour.